After tragedy, the curtain goes back up on 'Ka'

The Chief Archer's Daughter is among the characters in "Ka," which resumes performances in Las Vegas this week after a fatal accident July 29 suspended performances.ERIC JAMISON, COURTESY/CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

"Ka" returned to the stage at the MGM Grand this week, a little more than two weeks after a performer with the Cirque du Soleil show fell to her death in the last scene.

That Final Battle scene won't be a part of the show, replaced with what Cirque producers are calling the Dressing Ritual, which will maintain the costumed epic story of the martial arts-themed spectacle.

Sarah Guillot-Guyard, 31, died from injuries sustained June 29, when she fell 90 feet from the vertical stage. The mother of two was a veteran aerialist who had been with the show since it opened in 2006.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the accident, which occurred when the performer's safety harness apparently snapped or broke from a wire support cable, resulting in the first onstage fatality in Cirque's 29-year history.

The "Ka" return has a limited performance schedule this week, with shows only at 7 p.m. Performances resume the regular schedule Tuesday with additional 9:30 shows. Tickets, starting at $75.90 to $165, are available at mgm.com and cirquedusoleil.com.

Bachelorette extravaganza

Forget slot machines. Some of the biggest business in Las Vegas these days comes from the women in miniskirts, beauty queen sashes and mini veils, followed by a giggling entourage. Bachelorette parties have become such a big business, nightlife companies such as the Tao Group now have departments that cater just to women getting ready to tie the knot.

That brings us to the "World's Largest Bachelorette Party," which was so big when it debuted last summer, it's back for another go-around this weekend at the Tao and Lavo clubs at the Venetian and Palazzo resorts.

The three-day bash includes a Bachelorette Beach Party Saturday, hosted by our own Gretchen Rossi, who is planning her own nuptials on "The Real Housewives of Orange County."

Packages vary by group size and include a hotel suite, plus access to the nightclub events that offer open bars Skinny Girl wine bars and photos with Chippendales. They're available until midnight tonight at taolasvegas.com/bachelorette.

Planning ahead

Notes on upcoming events to help you plan your Vegas trips:

•Do you remember that woman that you'd always dream of and knew it from the start? She's a grandmother now. But if you know what I'm talking about you might want to see '70s bands Orleans and Firefall, 8 p.m. Aug. 23 at Sunset Station. Tickets, $22.50-$39.50, go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (sclv.com/concerts).

Fast-forwarding a decade, Jessie's Girl is sending her kids off to college, but Rick Springfield is still a working class dog on the tour circuit. He's at the Orleans for two 8 p.m. shows Aug. 3-4. Get tickets ($49.95) at orleanscasino.com or call 888-365-7111.

Dat Phan, the original winner of NBC's "Last Comic Standing" headlines next week, through July 28, at the Impov inside Harrah's. Tickets ($29.05-$44.95) are at harrahslasvegas.com.

Tickets are still available for former Hootie and the Blowfish and current country crooner Darius Rucker, Oct. 11 at the Sandbar Pool at Red Rock ($110, sclv.com/concerts).

A couple of freebies: Guitarist Joe Robinson, a winner of "Australia's Got Talent," plays Friday and R&B singer-songwriter Lenixx performs Aug. 9 at the Lounge inside the Palms, one of the best small venues to hear great music in Vegas. Both shows start at 10:30 p.m.

The Chief Archer's Daughter is among the characters in "Ka," which resumes performances in Las Vegas this week after a fatal accident July 29 suspended performances. ERIC JAMISON, COURTESY/CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
The Imperial Twins are the main characters in "Ka," which resumes performances this week at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, after the show was suspended following a deadly accident June 29. ERIC JAMISON, COURTESY/CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Chippendales dancers are among the entertainment at the World's Largest Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas. The event comes back to the Venetian and Palazzo this weekend. AL POWERS, POWERS IMAGERY
Participants gain a different perespective at the 2012 World's Largest Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas. The event returns to the Tao and Lavo clubs at the Venetian and Palazzo this weekend. AL POWERS, POWERS IMAGERY
Celebrants toast at the 2012 World's Largest Bachelorette Party at Tao Nightclub at the Venetian. The party returns for a second year this weekend. AL POWERS, POWERS IMAGERY
Women party at Tao Beach during first year of the World's Largest Bachelorette Party in 2012 at Tao Beach in Las Vegas. The party returns this weekend. AL POWERS, POWERS IMAGERY

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